At H&F we do our best to acknowledge the barriers placed on disabled people. As a council we are committed to helping to remove these barriers for any disabled person wishing to build a career in the screen industry. We aim to make H&F a diverse and film friendly borough.
We have compiled a list of organisations who support, and help disabled people gain access to a wide range of roles within the screen industry.
BFI
In cinema, the BFI are adopting a leadership position on disability, whilst recognising there is much to do to better support disabled people in all aspects of film. In 2018 the BFI created a Disability Advisory Group of disabled on-and-off-screen talent to guide the funder on a range of screen issues. Key themes have emerged such as creating a framework to mentor disabled talent and taking a tough stance on the out-dated practice of "cripping up" (where non-disabled actors play disabled roles).
The BFI's annual Busting the Bias event brings together disabled talent to shape and discuss the future of cinema whilst the Disabled Britain on Film archive launches in January. Increasingly the BFI is seeking routes to use its position to influence the wider film production and exhibitor sectors to deliver best practice for disabled artists and audiences.
Find out more here: BFI reveals commitments to disabled filmmaking community at 'Busting the Bias' | BFI
Beacon Films
Beacon Films is an award-winning production organisation based in Newcastle Upon Tyne for filmmakers with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.
Find out more here: Beacon Films
Carousel
Carousel are an award-winning charity supporting learning disabled people to achieve their artistic ambitions, enabling them to become leaders in their field and gain recognition for their work.
Find out more here: Carousel
Film London
Film London's Equal Access Network - Where talent meets opportunity.
At the heart of its skills initiatives, Film London's Equal Access Network (EAN) is a beacon for Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity in the screen industries. The team is passionate about the Equal Access Network (EAN)'s nurturing platform which is specifically tailored to support people who may feel that they have historically been overlooked or sidelined within the sector. The Equal Access Network's (EAN) comprehensive offer spans training, events, and exclusive opportunities within the vibrant screen industries landscape.
Find out more here: Equal Access Network | Film London
FWD-Doc
FWD-Doc: Documentary Filmmakers with Disabilities are a group of filmmakers with disabilities (FWDs) working in documentary film, along with their allies, seeking to increase the visibility of, support for, and direct access to opportunities, networks and employment for D/deaf and disabled filmmakers.
Find out more here: FWD-DOC: Documentary Filmmakers With Disabilities
Little by Little Films
Little By Little Films is a boutique independent production company, founded by Lindsey Dryden, based in Gloucestershire, producing feature length and short films and working with authentic voices to tell unexpected and intimate stories by and about LGBTQ people, women, and D/deaf and disabled people.
Find out more here: Little By Little Films
Profile Performers
Profile Performers is a video database of D/deaf and Disabled actors, hosted by Spotlight and the National Theatre, for use by casting directors and other professionals across the UK film, theatre and TV industries.
Find out more here: ProFile Performers
Scattered Pictures
Scattered Pictures is a broadcast media production company based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, creating scripted comedy, drama and factual content and promoting diverse talent from the North East of England.
Find out more here: Scattered Pictures
Zebedee Talent
Zebedee Talent is specialist talent agency created to increase the representation of people who until now have been excluded in the media, including people with disabilities or alternative appearances and trans or nonbinary.
Find out more here: Zebedee Talent | Disabled Models | Non Binary & Trans Models